Shashi Tharoor questions Sanju Samson’s omission amidst KL Rahul debate

Team India dominated Australia in the first two Tests of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, which they retained for the fourth consecutive time. However, despite the team’s fantastic performances in Nagpur and Delhi, the inclusion of KL Rahul in the playing XI still remains a mystery to many experts.

Many people believe that KL Rahul, 30, should be dropped from the playing XI against Australia because he has failed to score runs in the two Test matches he has played. As many take to Twitter to express their views on KL Rahul’s inclusion, Indian politician Shashi Tharoor jumped into the mix as well.

"And what about @IamSanjuSamson ? Averaging 76 in ODIs and yet again omitted from the ODI squad against Australia. It's all very well to give non-performers a long rope but surely not at the expense of talented performers?" Tharoor wrote on Twitter.

Shashi Tharoor@ShashiTharoor

And what about @IamSanjuSamson ? Averaging 76 in ODIs and yet again omitted from the ODI squad against Australia. It’s all very well to give non-performers a long rope but surely not at the expense of talented performers? twitter.com/ShekharGupta/s…

Shekhar Gupta@ShekharGupta

Indian cricket became the tops in the world when it became a clinical, unemotional and unbiased meritocracy. This must’ve changed if KL Rahul can keep his place, averaging just about 25 in 49 Test innings at the top order since 2017. While Gill waits. Merit, anybody?

09:49 AM · Feb 21, 2023

10K964

Tharoor called for Samson’s inclusion after he replied to a tweet that was slamming the team management of team India and how Shubman Gill had to sit out despite excellent performances in recent matches.

This is not the first time that Tharoor has come forward in support of Samson, the 28-year-old has been in contention for selection in white-ball cricket, but he never seems to get regular chances with the Indian team.

Gill likely to replace KL Rahul in Indore Test

There have been several reports that 23-year-old Shubamn Gill could be making his way into the third Test against Australia after KL Rahul’s repeated poor performances. Many experts opined that Rahul should be dropped from the side in light of his recent performances and that other openers should be given a chance.

Gill has been in sensational form as of late, and his inclusion in the playing XI would be justified according to many experts. After winning the first two Tests of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, India will now take on Australia in the third Test on Wednesday, March 1 in Indore.